- Red Bull supports Horner
- Verstappen defends Horner publicly
- Investigation into Horner dismissed
Max Verstappen was questioned about allegations against his manager on Saturday in Bahrain, following his pole position achievement in qualifying for the year’s first race.
Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Red Bull CEO Christian Horner was seen with his wife Geri, as he continues to face questions about the investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct.
Before the reports, Formula One world champion Max Verstappen suggested his boss was “probably a bit preoccupied.”
Team principal and the former Spice Girl’s husband, Horner, “won’t comment on anonymous speculation” after the leak of WhatsApp messages allegedly involved in a recent Red Bull investigation into him.
An investigation was launched into the 50-year-old over suspicions of inappropriate conduct towards a female colleague; however, the investigation was later dismissed.
Verstappen responded, “It’s none of our business,” when asked about the leaked messages after his pole position in qualifying for the season’s first race in Bahrain on Saturday.
“Based on how Christian works within the team, he’s been an outstanding team leader; so, there’s no question about his performance.”
“I must say, I am also dealing with this.” I have many conversations with Christian, and he is absolutely committed to the team, even on weekends.
He’s there for the performance as well, and although he’s probably a bit distracted, as I said earlier, we all focus on the performance aspect together.
From an anonymous email account, the messages were sent to several media organisations and F1 team principals; however, their authenticity has not been verified.
Horner later made the following statement: “While I refrain from commenting on baseless rumours spread anonymously, I want to reiterate my consistent denial of the allegations.
“I cooperated fully with the independent investigation at all times to ensure its integrity.
“An impartial specialist barrister conducted a thorough and unbiased investigation, which has led to the dismissal of the complaint filed.” All my focus remains on the start of the season.
According to the Financial Times, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said before this weekend’s race that any complaint submitted to its compliance officer would be investigated, but the organisation had not received one regarding Horner’s situation and would not “rush the process.”
This is harmful to the sport, Ben Sulayem told the newspaper. It’s detrimental to humanity.
Horner, who was in Bahrain last week for the team’s 2024 car launch and pre-season testing, has consistently denied the allegations.
On February 9, he was questioned for eight hours by a lawyer.
Red Bull confirms the dismissal of the complaint
“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr. Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed,” the company said in a statement.
“The complainant has the right to appeal.” Red Bull is confident that the investigation was conducted fairly, thoroughly, and impartially.
As the investigation report is confidential and contains personal information of the parties and third parties who contributed to the investigation, we will refrain from further comment out of respect for all parties involved.
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Red Bull will continue its efforts to uphold the highest standards in the workplace.
Horner has described his wife’s support during the process as “tremendous.” He also mentioned being “overwhelmed” by messages of support from within the sport.
His tenure as Red Bull team principal is in its nineteenth year in Formula One, making him the circuit’s longest-serving manager.
During that time, he has overseen the team’s seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ championships.
